OBA’s stance on gambling is hypocritical

When they were in the UBP, MPs were singing a different tune

If it’s true that the OBA’s senior MPs are united on gambling, then it appears that the views of some MPs have gone through a metamorphosis. *File photos, montage by Gary Foster Skelton

Hypocrisy is the state of falsely claiming to possess virtuous characteristics that one lacks.[1] Hypocrisy involves the deception of others and is thus a kind of lie.

— Wikipedia.com

We’ve been led to believe that the OBA’s senior MPs are united on the issue of gambling — but is that really true? Take a look at what has been said against gaming by certain MPs in the House of Assembly over the last few years, from the time when the UBP had yet to morph into the OBA:

Bob Richards [UBP]

“Let us have a referendum on this matter to find out what Bermudians think.

“There is no reason given as to why this amenity should be available to locals…. casino gambling is a tax on the poor.

“I have heard many voices in favour of gaming in Bermuda. And it seemed to me that most of them are connected in some way, direct or indirect, to people who would like to be in the gaming business themselves as operators…

“We need to look at this matter through the prism of the greater good for Bermuda; not the rate of return on investments or would-be entrepreneurs or investors in casino gaming…”

Dr Grant Gibbons [UBP]

“We would look to the people to make up their minds as well through a referendum

“We have put forth a number of ideas…rather than rolling the dice and taking this very desperate step to introduce gambling, with all the other issues that it brings... very negative issues as well...

“Sixty per cent of our visitors said that a casino would make the island less appealing, and that two-thirds of visitors polled said they would not go to a casino if one was available on the island.”

Patricia Gordon-Pamplin [UBP]

“Before we take a step that is irreversible, that creates untold damage both socially and economically for the people of Bermuda, we have to be circumspect.”

Cole Simons [UBP]

“…Whether UBP would commit to a decision of a referendum... Mr Speaker, if a proper wording or referendum was structured and presented to the people of this country and the people of this country sent a clear message that they wanted gaming, then the UBP would have no choice but to deliver if two-thirds of the populace said they want it.

“So there is no doubt, and let there be no doubt in this community that we would stick to a decision made as a result of a referendum.”

Trevor Moniz [UBP]

“I view it [gambling] as an evil. I do not view it as something desirable.”

As you can see, most of them were passionately against gaming.

There seems to be two main MPs who have been pushing gaming for quite some time. Any guess as to who they are?

“I must say that I am a bit surprised by the proportion of individuals who have come out so vehemently against the concept of gaming.” — MP Shawn Crockwell [when he was in the BDA], House of Assembly, May 2010

MP Mark Pettingill [when he was in the BDA] “invites the churches and Opposition” to get real...

The OBA is due to have meetings to tell the Bermudian people about their plans to introduce gaming, without the benefit of a referendum. Many feel they owe an explanation to Bermudians for flipping the script. I won’t place a bet on any honest answers from them. They obviously have an agenda, and its most likely not about jobs for Bermudians.